Engram steps up as Seahawks' fill-in flanker

Slot man takes matters into own hands as wideout

By CLARE FARNSWORTH, P-I REPORTER

Published 10:00 pm, Wednesday, October 10, 2007

KIRKLAND -- Leave it to Bobby Engram to take things into his own hands.

With leading receiver Deion Branch sidelined for at least two games after spraining his right foot in Sunday's loss to the Steelers in Pittsburgh, the Seahawks needed someone to step in as the starting flanker.

Engram was the obvious choice. But rather than waiting for Mike Holmgren to seek him out, the veteran receiver decided to go see the Seahawks coach on Tuesday -- the players' day off.

"Sure as shooting, Bobby came to see me yesterday," Holmgren said Wednesday. "When he walked in the door, I knew exactly what he was going to say."

To borrow a line from John Fogerty's "Centerfield," Put me in, coach, I'm ready to play, today.

Different sport. Same sentiment and situation.

"I didn't do it from a selfish standpoint," Engram said. "I just want to help this team in any way possible. I feel like I can do some things to help us win."

So it was Engram who lined up at flanker Wednesday as the Seahawks began practicing for Sunday night's nationally televised game against the New Orleans Saints at Qwest Field.

At least part of the time. Engram also slid into his usual role as the slot receiver in the three- and four-receiver sets.

"It's just a mind-set," Engram said of the multiple roles. "It's knowing the situation and reminding myself where I'm supposed to be."

Despite being 34 and in his 12th season, Engram is off to one of his typically productive starts. He is second on the team with 19 receptions (three fewer than Branch). Thirteen of his catches have produced first downs. Nine have come during scoring drives. He shares the team lead with two touchdown catches.

"I just think you're better when you have players like him around," Holmgren said.

Engram wasn't around for a nine-game stretch during the middle of last season after he was diagnosed with and treated for a thyroid condition that sapped his strength and energy.

"When he was injured, we just weren't as good," Holmgren said.

Overburdening Engram was a big part of Holmgren's concern about adding the starting flanker duties to his role as slot receiver, which in turn was a big reason Engram went to see Holmgren.

"I kind of heard that they were concerned about some of the things that happened last year, and not wanting to tax me," Engram said. "I feel so much better. I wanted Coach to know that."

Engram in a starting role is nothing new. He started at flanker and split end during the run to the Super Bowl in 2005, and was team's leading receiver.

"To me, Bobby's Bobby," quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said. "Half the routes we have I could throw with my eyes closed to Bobby.

"I can almost anticipate what he's going to do, where he's going to be."

The new twist this week is neophytes Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor taking over as the third and fourth receivers. Late-round draft choices out of Auburn the past two years, they have a grand total of three NFL receptions between them -- all in the past two games.

Another option is backup quarterback Seneca Wallace, who Holmgren calls "the wild card." Wallace's snaps at wide receiver have increased in each of the past three games.

"We run the same plays," offensive coordinator Gil Haskell said. "We don't change anything, that way. But, guys change it when they can catch it and run with the ball after they catch it.